Doris Rathgeber

With more than 20 years of experience as a TCM Doctor and internal medicine specialist, Doris treats a vast array of acute and chronic diseases by expertly combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine. She also hast extensive experience addressing women's issues as well as infertility problems.

As the Founder and General Manager of Body & Soul, Doris delivers speeches within several international organizations to raise awareness among Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was honored for her talks at the Harvard Business Leadership Conference and as well at the YPO (Young Presidents Organization).

Articles Written

In our TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) series, we share insight into the major TCM treatments and answer frequently asked questions. Acupuncture is a popular TCM method to cure disease and restore balance. People often wonder “Will getting stuck with needles really make me healthier?” Here is everything you want to know about acupuncture. TCM Philosophy TCM believes a healthy body and mind is achieved through a free flow of vital…

Are red, watery eyes and a swollen nose your trademark spring look? Many allergy sufferers dread the coming spring. Life becomes round after round of antihistamines and nasal sprays. Shanghai’s damp, dusty (and polluted) environment is a nightmare for many allergy and asthma sufferers. Ancient Chinese Wisdom: The Root Causes of Allergies TCM interprets allergies as a disharmony in the body. It is often diagnosed as a “wind” influence accompanied…

China: Past, Present and Future In this series, we share conversations with Doris Rathgeber, founder of Body & Soul – Medical Clinics. Doris came to China more than 20 years ago. During her time here, she has completed her Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) training, started Body & Soul, and helped thousands of patients from all over the world. Meanwhile, she and her husband began their family here and have embraced…

Body & Soul’s founder, Doris Rathgeber, shares how life’s twists and turns led to achieving her dreams in China. She offers advice for how expats can thrive in Shanghai. Life’s Many Twists and Turns “Everything I have is from China. China helped me overcome my past and find the opportunity to achieve my dream.” Growing up in Germany, Doris always hoped to be a doctor. But, there was “no…

These herbs and spices do more than smell good. They are often used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) remedies for their healing properties. The Chinese have long categorized herbs and foods by their temperature effects (cool, fresh, neutral, warm and hot) on the body. Most of these spices are warming, which is naturally fitting for the season and is another reason we feel emotionally “warm” when we smell them. Here…

Certain smells evoke the holidays and cozy winters…scented candles, pine needles, holiday meals, and baked goods! Just imagine how wonderful your home feels when filled with the scents of aromatic herbs and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and star anise. These herbs and spices do more than smell good. They are often used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) remedies for their healing properties. The Chinese have long categorized…

Everybody knows that sticky feeling in hot or stressful situations. You start to sweat, your hands are wet, wet patches form under your arms, your forehead starts to glisten. This form of sweating is a normal and temporary bodily reaction to an extreme situation. Of course, physical exercise, high temperatures and overly warm clothes also lead to temporary perspiration. We’ve probably all been extra sweaty this summer! But what if…

Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequently diagnosed mental health disorders in teens. One study in Germany indicated that about 10% of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders (Robert Koch-Intuit; BELLA-Studied). The primary anxiety disorders are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Phobias, and Separation Anxiety. Origin of the Five Elements Theory The Five Elements theory came from observing nature. Thinkers and philosophers in China and in the West analyzed…

Spring is a period of awakening and growth, for nature and for the body. Spring is the season of the rising yang (active) energy. During spring, the liver, which regulates the flow of Qi, plays an important role. It is responsible for releasing the Qi which has been stored during the winter. You may find yourself feeling more agitated or having angry outbursts. Additionally, headaches and neck/shoulder pain are common…

In our last article, we discussed winter health and tips for helping the body adjust to the seasons. TCM does a great job addressing winter health and treating seasonal illnesses, due to its focus on strengthening the body to live in harmony with nature. Common winter ailments like colds and coughing can be effectively treated with herbal decoctions and acupuncture. Today, we’ll share how an ancient Chinese tonic can improve…

As the temperatures heat up, so do some heat-related problems commonly suffered by Shanghai residents. Here are some issues to watch for and tips to stay healthy and comfortable this summer! Fungus Fungus loves summer in Shanghai! The heat, humidity and consumption of sweet foods and drinks are the perfect environment for fungal infections. Closed shoes, locker rooms, pools and public showers are breeding grounds for fungus such as athlete’s…

As the temperatures heat up, so do some heat-related problems commonly suffered by Shanghai residents. Here are some issues to watch for and tips to stay healthy and comfortable this summer! Fungus Fungus loves summer in Shanghai! The heat, humidity and consumption of sweet foods and drinks are the perfect environment for fungal infections. Closed shoes, locker rooms, pools and public showers are breeding grounds for fungus such as athlete’s…

The season has arrived when everyone seems to have a cough. Children are especially affected. Coughing can have many root causes like bacterial or viral infections, asthma, diabetes, air pollution, dry air, temperature difference and vocal strain. Many environmental factors make Shanghai residents more prone to coughs. Overall, we know that frequent coughing is a symptom of the presence of a disease. As the classification of a cough is diverse…

TCM Focus: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and discover a delicious 5 Element warming recipe! In wintertime the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang cycle reaches its Yin peak. It is the season of rest and passivity, during which nature reduces its activities. In TCM, winter is related to the water element and associated with the kidney and bladder. Our essential energy, Qi, needs special care and nourishment during cold, damp winter weather. Different…

In TCM, winter is related to the water element and associated with the organs kidney and bladder. The kidneys are the source of the kidney Qi which is composed of the prenatal Qi (stored in the kidneys) and the postnatal Qi (stored in the spleen). The prenatal Qi is given at birth by our parents. It is responsible for the renewal and regeneration of cells and tissue. It is said…

Skin is a vital protective organ, especially as weather gets colder. Outdoors, our skin shields us from the cold, rain, wind, and pollution. Indoors, it shields us from the warm, dry air conditioning and hot water. We expose ourselves to extreme temperature differences during the wintertime, which dries out our skin. As a result, the skin feels irritated and itchy. However, dry skin can be more than a cosmetic or…

The Chinese consider high cholesterol to be a modern disease that goes along with a wealthier lifestyle. Essentially, in our modern society we generally eat a higher fat, higher calorie diet. At the same time, we tend to have less physical work and daily movement. However, heredity can also be a reason for high cholesterol. The High Risks of High Cholesterol High cholesterol is one of the risk factors that…

Welcome to China, the birth place of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an ancient holistic approach for treatment and prevention of disease. Many westerners believe that TCM is specifically for the Chinese. Not so. In fact, TCM is increasingly becoming a popular approach in the west for children and adults due to its natural, safe and effective methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system which is extremely effective in healing…

Shanghai’s damp and dusty environment is a nightmare for allergy and asthma sufferers, and spring brings a new round of suffering. During spring, both nature and the human body are coming out of a state of winter passivity and transitioning to a more active (and hot/yang) period. Unfortunately, after a long, cold winter, the body is generally weak and vulnerable to external pathogenic factors. Therefore, the meridians transporting the flow…

It’s wonderful when spring is here…we can enjoy longer sunny days and an end to those cold, grey and rainy winter days. Unfortunately during springtime, changing weather together with our modern lifestyle (sitting long hours in a bad position and eating unbalanced diets) often result in unpleasant headaches and migraines. As spring is the season of rebirth, growth, and blooming flowers, so is it for the human body which has…

TCM’s View of Seasonal Changes According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. People are considered a part of this holistic entity, and are influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather. Physiological and pathological responses occur related to these changes. In ancient times, the Chinese developed Yin and Yang and Five…

Temperatures are rising…Shanghai summer is here! Shanghai isn’t just uncomfortable in summer but can be a perfect environment for illness. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heat and dampness are two pathogens that can affect the body and cause diseases such as headaches, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. Here are some tips for staying cool and healthy this summer: Work-rest-balance Traditionally, the Chinese…

In autumn leaves begin to fall and farmers start harvesting their fields. The weather will start to get cooler and the sun will set earlier. The leaves will turn from a rich green color to a rainbow of yellow, orange and red. Now is the time to store the harvest for the cold winter season ahead. To maintain good health, the body also needs to be in harmony with such…

What is the Basis of TCM? The goal of TCM is to reestablish the flow of Qi, the vital energy or life force of a person. Qi maintains balance in the body and keeps the organs functioning. If the Qi is deficient or blocked, it can lead to a variety of physical and mental ailments, from migraines and insomnia to muscle stiffness and indigestion. A person’s Qi can be affected by…

TCM believes that every person is endowed from birth with an essence that lasts throughout the person’s life and provides the body with energy. This essence flows from the mother during pregnancy. Healthy lifestyle and good nutrition increases the amount and quality of this essential essence. To build up this life giving essence and guarantee the best health for the newborn, the soon-to-be mom is advised to eat a balanced…

New year, new you! How many of us, among other new year’s resolutions, intend to lose weight and maintain a healthy figure in 2016? Weight loss and maintenance are top concerns for many people but often, information overload and misconceptions make it hard to keep track of what to do to achieve such goals. Have you heard of globesity? Globesity is a new word created to emphasize the phenomenon of…

In our TCM (Tranditional Chinese Medicine)series, we'll be sharing insight into some of the major TCM treatments and answering frequently asked questions about them. One TCM method to cure diseases and restore balance is acupuncture. TCM Philosophy TCM believes a healthy body and mind is achieved through a free flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body. In TCM, the organs are interconnected and work together. An imbalance in one…

Cupping is a complementary therapy to acupuncture. Expats not familiar with cupping may wonder about the round, uniform marks they sometimes see on people who’ve received cupping treatment. Cupping is an ancient treatment used in many cultures around the world. Though it’s becoming more common in acupuncture practices in the west, it is still unfamiliar to many people. How Cupping Works Cups (most commonly made of glass) with negative pressure…

Moxibustion is a complementary therapy to acupuncture. The moxa used in this treatment is made with dried mugwort (艾叶) and this is burned to heat up areas along acupuncture points. In Chinese, this treatment is called jiǔ ( 灸) or jiǔshù ( 灸術). The most commonly practiced form of moxibustion today is indirect moxibustion, in which a moxa stick (or moxi cigar) is held near the acupoint or placed on…

While in western medicine the feeling of the pulse is more or less a daily routine check for everybody, in TCM this method stands for far more. It is part of the so-called “Palpation Examination”, a special form of pressing certain body areas to check out if any pathological changes took place. A distinctive empathy is required to interpret the patient’s pulse as well as a deep knowledge to differ…

Notice that as the weather gets warmer your body and brain react in strange ways? Just as we’re experiencing beautiful weather, many people find themselves stuck inside with an illness. TCM has long understood this period of transition (and offers help). Spring is the season of rebirth, growth, blooming flowers and sunshine. Just as the environment is coming out of its state of winter passivity, so is the human body.…

Everything You Wanted to Know about Cupping Cupping is experiencing a worldwide surge of popularity. A lot of people first “saw” cupping when Michael Phelps appeared with the trademark red circular marks on his back during the 2016 Olympics. Various celebrities have walked the red carpet with their own cupping marks and talked about how they benefit from cupping therapy. Its rise coincides with acupuncture and TCM gaining attention in…

With sudden changes in weather, many people complain from headaches and migraines. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, any pain-related symptoms, including headaches, are generally attributed to a stagnation of the flow of Qi and Blood. The stagnation can be caused by: - too much toxic substance: the ‘cold evil’ and ‘dampness’ accumulating in the body - a deficiency of Qi or Blood (or both) During the consultation,…

Summer holidays are approaching and many will make the most of it and travel home or to some fun locations. Travel can be demanding on the body, especially when crossing several time zones. Nothing derails fun holiday plans more quickly than illness or a serious case of jet lag. Here are a few of the most common problems brought on by the rigors of travel and some tips and solutions.…

Jet Lag Humans have biological rhythms, known as circadian rhythms, which are controlled by a biological clock, daily routines and exposure to light and dark. These affect body temperature, alertness, appetite, hormone secretion, etc. as well as sleep timing. Jet lag, medically known as desynchronosis, results from disruption of these circadian rhythms by traveling across multiple time zones. Your rhythms are out of sync with the new time zone, which…

Golden Week is approaching and many will make the most of it and travel around. Travel can be demanding on the body, especially when crossing several time zones. Nothing derails great holiday plans more quickly than illness or a serious case of jet lag. Here are a few of the most common problems brought on by the rigors of travel and some tips and solutions. Jet Lag Humans have biological…

Chinese herbs are well known for their effectiveness in prevention and curing. Herbal decoctions are frequently used to strengthen the immune system naturally and cure with minor side effects. There are more than 1000 herbs commonly used in TCM and each individual combination has its own characteristics and effects. As everyone’s constitution and symptoms are unique, herbal decoctions are always custom made in order to fully treat the patient’s condition…

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system which is proven effective in treating a vast array of diseases naturally. Thanks to a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture among other therapies, TCM treats the person as a whole by restoring balance physically and emotionally. TCM can naturally provide relief for the following conditions: Internal medicine diseases Digestive disorders Respiratory disorders Menstrual disorders and infertility Skin diseases Western therapies’ side…

Along with pulse taking, tongue analysis is of the main pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine and therefore an essential part of the diagnosis. The human tongue is seen as a “map” of the internal body, standing not only for the blood and Qi fluency, but also for the harmony of all organs. Each part of the tongue mirrors an organical system according to the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,…

Along with pulse taking, tongue analysis is of the main pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine and therefore an essential part of the diagnosis. The human tongue is seen as a “map” of the internal body, standing not only for the blood and Qi fluency, but also for the harmony of all organs. Each part of the tongue mirrors an organical system according to the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,…

In wintertime the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang cycle reaches its Yin peak. Nature’s level of activity is reduced during this season of rest and passivity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends living in harmony with nature. As nature slows down in winter, people should reduce their activities as well. In TCM, winter is determined by the water element and associated with the organs kidney and bladder. The kidneys are the source of…

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after two years of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. Western medical treatment focuses on the mechanical functioning of the reproductive organs and hormones. TCM understands that body and soul need to be balanced and harmonious for successful conception and a favorable environment for the embryo to grow. This is accomplished by establishing a healthy, regular menstrual cycle, an undisturbed flow…

Many women suffer from monthly menstrual pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Occasionally, this is related to a gynecological disease which need to be treated properly. However, for many women symptoms such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), lower back pain, tender breasts, headaches, belly pain, and leg pain are part of their usual monthly cycle. These are often accompanied by fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and dizziness. Fortunately, TCM offers effective, natural relief.…

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